Sports injuries and Rehabilitation

If the injury is extremely painful, has involved trauma, or swells quickly, it might be worth a visit to the A & E department in case you have a fracture or dislocation and require medical assistance.

Most injuries benefit from the early application of ice packs to help swelling and arnica to bring out any bruising, allowing quicker recovery. Resting, compressing and elevating the affected area can also help.

Different sports are inclined to cause different injuries. E.g. Skiers often suffer with haematomas (deep bruising) and groin strains. Footballers commonly suffer from ligament damage to the ankles or knees, torn hamstrings and cartilage problems. Aerobic dancers are prone to foot injury, shin splints and chronic calf problems. Racquet sport players and older runners are liable to suffer from achilles or calf tears. All conditions benefit from good advice and treatment, but some are best not treated immediately.

Our osteopaths, acupuncturist, sports massage and rehabilitation therapists at BOP may all be able to assist you to recover. It is best to call the practice to discuss your injury with one of the sports team to see who is best suited to help with your individual problems.

The initial aim of treatment is to reduce swelling and inflammation in the area. In the early stages this may require compression bandaging, but older fluid is best dispersed with massage treatments. Your recovery time can also be reduced by the use of various electrotherapy equipment, such as ultrasound. However, the most important treatment is the correct advice, and this will include exercises specific to your condition. The exercises necessary to promote recovery may be different for each activity and will change as you recover.

When you contact BOP with a back or neck problem any of the osteopaths, massage therapists or the acupuncturist here will be pleased to see you, but if you have a sports injury, ask the receptionist to get one of the sports team to call you.